Android 7.0 Nougat is one step closer to its final release with the release of the fifth version of the developer preview. Google recently released the fifth build of Android N for the developers to test it out on their Nexus devices. You should have received an OTA update if you are enrolled in the Beta program. If you are not enrolled in the beta program given below is the guide to do so and What’s new in the Dev Preview 5.
You can try out the Dev preview 5 on any of the following devices:
- Nexus 5X
- Nexus 6
- Nexus 6P
- Nexus 9
- Nexus Player
- Pixel C
- General Mobile 4G (Android One)
What’s New in Android Nougat Dev Preview 5?
Dev Preview 5 seems to be the last build before the final build comes out, which would be released in Q3 this year. Several users have already tried the Dev Preview 5 and are reporting great improvement over the Dev Preview 4. Although there are few bugs to be treated in the latest build. Here are few of the known issues that you might face after installing the Dev preview build of Android N:
Known Issues
Stability
- Users may encounter system instability (such as kernel panics and crashes).
Multi-window
- MapView may be blank when resized in multi-window mode and not focused.
Do Not Disturb
- Do Not Disturb mode may be set at device reboot. To work around the issue, delete the existing rule for VR as follows: go to Settings > Sound > Do not disturb > Automatic Rules and tap the trash icon next to the VR rule.
Screen zoom and multiple APKs in Google Play
- Google Play services 9.0.83 incorrectly reports the current screen density rather than the stable screen density. When screen zoom is enabled on these devices, this can cause Google Play to select a version of a multi-APK app that’s designed for smaller screens. This issue is fixed in the next version of Google Play services.
Vulkan support and multiple APKs in Google Play
- Google Play services 9.0.83 currently reports Vulkan support but not Vulkan version. This can cause Google Play to select a version of a multi-APK app that’s designed for lower Vulkan support on devices with higher version support. Currently, the Google Play Store does not accept uploads of Apps which use Vulkan version targeting. This support will be added to the Google Play Store in the future any Android N devices using the Google Play services 9.0.83 will continue to receive versions of Apps targeting basic Vulkan support.
Android Auto
- The version of Google Maps included in Developer Preview 5 (9.30) crashes when used with Android Auto. This issue will be fixed in the next update to Google Maps (9.31), expected in the coming weeks.
Apart from these bugs, the performance of the Developer Preview 5 has been improved quite a bit over the previous versions. There are no visual changes in the newer build and all the changes made seems to under the hood. Although some users reported battery drain after installing the update on your devices, but this trend could not be seen with all the users. Try out yourself to find out how does the Android Nougat performs on your Nexus device.
How to Install
You can download the latest factory images from the Downloads section below and install it on your Nexus device using this or the following tutorial:
Download and Install Android N Dev Preview on Your Nexus Device
Downloads
| Device | Download / Checksums |
|---|---|
Nexus 5X“bullhead” |
bullhead-npd90g-factory-7a0ca1bc.tgz MD5: e7a9a3061335c1e0c8be2588f13290af SHA-1: 7a0ca1bcfa51bbefde34243603bc79c7dec214a1 |
Nexus 6“shamu” |
shamu-npd90g-factory-f7a4e3a9.tgz MD5: 2fb572ddcfca67bb1d741be97492a9ed SHA-1: f7a4e3a96c797827492998e855c8f9efbfc8559a |
Nexus 6P“angler” |
angler-npd90g-factory-cd9ac81e.tgz MD5: 2370c30f3ef1d0684c1de5216a5d90fe SHA-1: cd9ac81ec7f4a646ac6054eecbf2ea4c4b89b054 |
Nexus 9“volantis” |
volantis-npd90g-factory-41b55406.tgz MD5: cefa78950141da2a7c75e887717e3c8f SHA-1: 41b554060263a7ef16e4be8422cbd6caca26e00f |
Nexus 9G“volantisg” |
volantisg-npd90g-factory-610492be.tgz MD5: 2f36dc0d0fab02ab78be500677ec239f SHA-1: 610492bedfc4127023040ecb2c89239a78a900ad |
Nexus Player“fugu” |
fugu-npd90g-factory-0fe95694.tgz MD5: f4cb48f919e4c29c631de21416c612e2 SHA-1: 0fe95694e7bc41e4c3ac0e4438cd77102a0aa8b4 |
Pixel C“ryu” |
ryu-npd90g-factory-f4da981c.tgz MD5: d9f0e40b6c20d274831e8a7d285fd887 SHA-1: f4da981c70576133321e2858e52fe2c990e68a75 |
General Mobile 4G (Android One)“seed” |
seed_l8150-npd90g-factory-48f59c99.tgz MD5: 0ed565c509594072822d71c65b48ec8e SHA-1: 48f59c99ac43d1cd2f5656a283bb9868581663a8 |
Do share your views about the Android Nougat in the comments section below. Also, do let us know how eager are you to try out the upcoming Android N on your devices and what’s your favorite feature.
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